Sandwich and soup

Itís shopping night, so dinner is going to be a simple affair of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Make the sandwich special with thin slices of pear or Granny Smith apples and an extra-sharp white cheddar. The soup? I am still partial to Campbellís, and I add a scoop of creamy cottage cheese for a little heft and tang.

Tuesday: Get spicy

The recipe for Spicy Meatball Subs (below) is a pepper-laden take on the Italian meatball sandwich. You can add more jalapenos to the meat mix if you like your food extra hot. Youíll need something cool on the side and I always go to ice-cold fruit for that. Slices of honeydew and cantaloupe provide the yin to the yang.

Wednesday: Rotisserie chicken

Carve a couple of birds and make a simple yellow squash casserole, a Stir Crazy favorite. Slice three large yellow crookneck squash and layer in a pie or quiche pan. In a separate bowl, mix 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup half-and-half or evaporated milk. Season with salt and pepper and add about 1/2 cup or more grated cheese. Pour over squash. Sprinkle top generously with bread crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.

Thursday: Southern flair

Tonightís dinner is chops and grits with a side of sautťed spinach. Lightly bread boneless chops and cook in a skillet with olive oil. One-inch chops will take about five minutes per side. When chops are done, deglaze pan with a little wine (or chicken broth) and stir in some Dijon mustard to make a quick sauce. A scoop of grits, a juicy chop and a mess of spinach and dinner is served.

Friday: Getting fishy

Itís Friday and weíre getting our happy hour rush from Riesling snapper, an allrecipes.com offering. Pour 1/2 cup Riesling into a large skillet and cook until nearly evaporated. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and one minced garlic clove. When butter is melted, add four snapper fillets. Cook about 3 minutes per side then add a handful of sliced almonds. Cook a few minutes more. Make a pot of brown rice and stir in some chopped spinach a few minutes before itís done to wilt the leaves.